Johnathan "Rudy" Ford's move to defense caught many by surprise last year but in the time since the former heralded running back has gone from a scant special teams contributor to a becoming Auburn's starting boundary safety, beating out junior college transfer Derrick Moncrief for the job, and is the Tigers' leading tackler (21) a quarter of the way through the season.

"When we signed him we thought he was a phenomenal running back, and I still think he could be a very good running back," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "Last year at this time or late in the season, 'Hey can I go over there and help at DB?' And then he found a home. You can see his confidence level raise in every game. He's turning himself into a very good tackler. He is very quick. He's a playmaker on defense right now."

Ford has had eight tackles in back-to-back games, showcasing the speed that made the New Hope native a four-star prospect as a running back while chasing down the opposition.

"He flies to the football," cornerback Jonathan Jones said. "If you didn't know, by some of his hits you've think he's always played defense."

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Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson and defensive backs Josh Holsey and Jonathan Jones have been impressed with the play of Johnathan Ford.
James Crepea/Montgomery Advertiser

After learning he'd be starting at field safety last week, Josh Holsey stayed after practice to go over communication with Ford and could tell the sophomore already had a good understanding of the defense.

"I can tell by the way he's flowing in the game he's starting to pick up playing DB a lot better than what he was before," Holsey said. "It's really clicking for him. He's going to be a really good player."

Ford was instrumental in Auburn holding Kansas State to 285 total yards, including just 94 passing yards in the second half.

"It was a great game for the defense to step up," Ford said. "We were really focused in the game, really locked in."

Ford was one of three players with an interception against San Jose State. How quick he's been able to deliver big plays has impressed defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson.

"He continues to improve drastically," Johnson said. "He just shows up. He catches your eye. You can see how explosive he is, how fast he closes on things, been a good tackler, been doing good in coverage."

The 6-foot 199 pound Ford still has lots to learn – he has only started three games after all, but the early results are all positive.

"He's got to still get real consistent with his eyes," Johnson said. "Make sure he's looking at the right things and playing the right reads. … He made a hard play out of an easy play just out of experience level, but he's getting better."